This week we chat with painter and installation artist Jill Connors, who regularly engages in \u201cwalking and fossicking\u201d to collect \u201cbits and pieces\u201d to use as art materials.<\/p>\n
What initially motivated you to become a painter\/installation artist?<\/strong><\/p>\n At the age of 46 my life changed significantly. I left my 9-5 job in Bendigo, travelled for a year throughout Europe, and finally settled in the Whitsundays, living on a small income generated by selling handmade items at the weekly Airlie Beach market.<\/p>\n That lifestyle change exposed the creative side of me that had (been) laid dormant.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always enjoyed walking and fossicking, no matter where I live, collecting coloured seeds in Queensland, dentalium shells in Greece, broken stems of smoking clay pipes in England, rusty tin in the Bendigo bush and more.<\/p>\n From painting, which I started about 12 years ago, I\u2019ve more recently enjoyed utilising some of my finds in art and installations.<\/p>\n How would you describe your style?<\/strong><\/p>\n My work is quite contemporary and intuitive. The found objects seem to present themselves into a particular format. I don\u2019t always plan a piece, quite the reverse. The collected \u201cbits and pieces\u201d provide me with the impetus to reconfigure, redefine, and create anew.<\/p>\n My paintings too are quite vibrant and free.<\/p>\n Which other artists inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n In effect it\u2019s nature and all that it provides me with that\u2019s my inspiration.<\/p>\n But reading about installation artists such as Fiona Hall, Karla Dickens, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, has provided me with the confidence to continue to create in the way I do.<\/p>\n I admire the work of Wendy Sharpe and Amanda Hyatt – their approach to their art, their skill and their \u201cjoie de vivre\u201d.<\/p>\n Andy Goldsworthy is another artist whom I admire for his work in the natural world.<\/p>\n What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n A memorable highlight was winning the 2013 Major Prize, Contemporary Composition, in the Rotary Club of Bendigo Easter Art Show. What a surprise!<\/p>\n Also painting \u201cen plein aire” when travelling outback with my friend in her van. Lots of adventures and painting!<\/p>\n How can people check out your work online?<\/strong><\/p>\n I am new to Facebook and have a limited number of photographs on the site. I find it difficult to fully encapsulate the entirety of my installations in a photograph, so I am happy for people to contact me with a view to visiting my home studio any time.<\/p>\n